Value of 1879-S $20 Gold Coin

Value of 1879-S $20 Double Eagle

Many 1879-S double eagles are softly struck at the top of Libertys portrait, on the hair bun, and over one or more of the obverse stars. The reverse, as well, is usually incompletely defined, especially near the end of the eagles right wing. Abrasions are a problem for this issue, as they are for all early Type 3 Liberty Head double eagles, although luster can be strong with high grade pieces often displaying a vibrant satin or frosty finish. Although scarce relative to the number of coins struck, enough examples have survived that the 1879-S is readily obtainable in circulated grades, as well as in MS-60 and MS-61. In MS-62 this issue is genuinely scarce, although again such pieces can be acquired with relative ease. The 1879-S is very rare in Choice Uncirculated, the finest certified being a pair of MS-64s listed at PCGS.